Special Programs
Najma Ayasha Harissiadis |
Courses
Steps, Rhythm & Movement: Indian Dance
Biography
Najma Harissiadis has been a faculty member at NYU since 2002 where she teaches Steps, Rhythm and Movement of Indian Dance and continues the tradition of Kathak Dance by enriching the traditional movements with the universal elements and a unusual sense of aesthetic adventure and free form.Najma originally studied Kathak Dance, Sanskrit, yoga and tabla at the Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi, under the guidance of the illustrious Guru Kundan Lal Gangani and many other great artists of India. Founder of the Gangani Kathak Dance Company since 1989, Najma has performed both classical Kathak and fusion throughout the United States at venues including Asia Society, Garden State Arts Center, Lincoln Center in New York city and has toured extensively performing and presenting workshops in England, Brazil, Russia and India. Her most recent collaboration with Flamenco artists, composer/musician, Arturo Martinez, Carmen Salou and tabla virtuoso, Badal Roy in December in New York city.
Najma is very active in Arts in Education throughout the tri-state area where she assimilates poetry and music from all backgrounds by incorporating Indian dance movements—shaping artistic communication. Her most recent venues include Baruch College, Juilliard School of the Arts and Brooklyn Council of the Arts. And, she was awarded a letter of commendation from the Board of Education for her work with learning disabled children.
Najma is also a certified yoga teacher where she and integrates dance movements enhancing the flow of energies and has designed a new fitness program “Spice & Yoga” utilizing cardio workout and yoga cool down where the participants get the benefits of a vigorous aerobic workout followed by yoga cool down. This program was introduced in various fitness programs in NYC schools sponsored by the Open Classroom Collaborative.
